Shelbina, Mo. — A civil petition filed against former president Kathleen Wilham has thrust the Shelby County Historical Society museum dispute into the spotlight, exposing a troubling ethical breakdown by Senator Cindy O’Laughlin. Filed on April 1, 2025, in Shelby County Circuit Court (25SB-CC00003), the case has raised serious questions about O’Laughlin’s involvement in a museum break-in, where she appears to have abused her position as Senate President Pro Tem to assist her friend Wilham. With Sheriff Arron Fredrickson ignoring repeated requests for comment, the Shelbina community is left wondering: will legal action be taken against O’Laughlin for her role in this escalating conflict?
The petitioners—Dr. Jim Foster (President), Lea Ann Oliver Robertson (Vice President), and Carol Hubbard (Treasurer, listed as Carol Dieker Hubbard on the Society’s website)—accuse Wilham of mismanagement and misconduct during her tenure. According to The Shelby County Herald, Wilham, who resigned as president on July 1, 2024, but remained on the board, allegedly removed multiple boxes of historic materials from the museum, gave away Society property without board approval, misused staff for personal errands and highway cleanup for the Shelby County Republican Club, and spent over $10,000 on the demolition of a private building without consent. ...
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